Urge the Malaysian Government to Not Allow any Development Near Orangutan or Elephant Habitat

In a plan that will further threaten dwindling elephant and orangutan populations, the Malaysian government is considering expanding roads in forested areas of Borneo, leaving scientists and environmental groups alarmed, according to a report in mongabay.com

The area proposed for development is located near an important sanctuary, which is home to some of the densest populations of elephants, orangutans, gibbons, and proboscis monkeys in Borneo.

The report states: "Sabah's Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is home to some of the densest populations of megafauna in Malaysia. The tenuous patchwork of protected habitat along its namesake river is also surrounded by immensely profitable oil palm plantations on what was rainforest decades ago.

"The federal government of Malaysia plans to build a bridge near the sanctuary and pave a road through part of it this year, raising the objections of NGOs and scientists who work in the region.

"Critics say the road expansion will fragment valuable habitat, increase human-wildlife conflict, and go against elephant protection regulations."

The situation for elephants and orangutans in Borneo is dire. Will you join me in urging the Malaysian Government to not allow any road developments near protected habitat areas? Every possible measure must be taken to save the Asian elephant and orangutan from extinction!

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